Hawking: Aliens ‘No Longer Interested’ in Invading Earth

Yep. You read that right.

That is what Stephen Hawking says now, reversing his earlier statement on humans and aliens that "instead of seeking them out, humanity should be doing all it that can to avoid any contact.".  Hawking had categorically asserted that:

contact with such a species could be devastating for humanity.
He suggests that aliens might simply raid Earth for its resources and then move on:...
He concludes that trying to make contact with alien races is “a little too risky”. He said: “If aliens ever visit us, I think the outcome would be much as when Christopher Columbus first landed in America, which didn’t turn out very well for the Native Americans.”

So. why does Hawking reverse his assessment?  Planet Already ‘Pre-destroyed’

Speaking at a conference of the International Society of Eminent Theoretical Physicists, Dr. Hawking added, “Most extraterrestrials would want to come to Earth to destroy it, and let’s face it, this planet has been pretty much pre-destroyed.” ...
... The physicist said that the rocket fuel aliens would have to expend to launch an Earth invasion was significant, “and you don’t spend that kind of money to invade a shithole.”

Intriguing that Hawking would say this, right? Particularly when you consider the source!